Terms + Conditions

 
 
 
 

Michelle Mallon Photography (Shore Thing Creative, LLC)

These Terms & Conditions outline the agreements between Michelle Mallon Photography, operated by Shore Thing Creative, LLC (“the Photographer”), and you (“the Client”) for all photography services. By booking a session, submitting payment, or signing a contract, the Client agrees to these terms.

1. Booking & Payment

  • A non-refundable session fee or retainer is required to secure your session date and time.

  • Your date is not considered booked until the retainer is received.

  • The session fee covers time, talent, planning, and reserving your date; it does not include digital files or prints unless otherwise stated.

  • Remaining balances are due before the session or as outlined in your invoice.

2. Cancellation, Rescheduling & Weather

  • Cancellations are non-refundable but may be rescheduled based on availability.

  • Reschedule requests must be made at least 48 hours before your session when possible.

  • In cases of severe weather or unsafe shooting conditions, the Photographer will determine whether to reschedule.

  • If the Photographer must cancel for illness or emergency, a new date will be offered or a refund will be issued.

3. Late Arrivals

  • Sessions begin at the scheduled time.

  • Late arrivals may result in reduced shooting time or fewer final images.

  • Sessions will not be extended.

4. Image Delivery

  • Standard gallery turnaround is 7–14 days, depending on the season and workload.

  • The Photographer carefully selects and edits the best images.

  • RAW files are not provided under any circumstances.

  • Digital galleries remain available for download for the period stated in your delivery email.

5. Editing & Retouching

  • All delivered images receive the Photographer’s signature editing style, including exposure, color correction, and light retouching.

  • Extensive retouching (skin smoothing, object removal, head swaps, etc.) is available for an additional fee.

  • The Photographer maintains full artistic discretion in editing style.

6. Copyright & Usage

  • The Photographer retains the copyright to all images.

  • The Client receives a personal-use license to print and share images for non-commercial purposes.

  • Images may not be altered, sold, filtered, or edited further without written permission.

  • Commercial usage, including for business marketing, social media advertising, product promotion, etc., requires a commercial licensing agreement.

7. Model Release

Unless otherwise specified in writing, the Client grants the Photographer permission to use images for:

  • Portfolio display

  • Website and social media

  • Marketing materials

  • Studio samples

Clients who prefer privacy may request a no-share agreement prior to the session.

8. Creative Control

  • The Photographer is not responsible for clothing, makeup, hair, weather conditions, or cooperation of subjects.

  • The Client acknowledges that photography is subjective and agrees to trust the Photographer’s artistic judgment regarding poses, lighting, composition, and styling.

9. Locations & Permits

  • The Client is responsible for obtaining any required location permits or fees unless otherwise agreed.

  • Travel fees may apply for locations outside the Photographer’s standard service area.

10. Safety

  • The Photographer reserves the right to stop or cancel any session if safety concerns arise.

  • Children must be supervised at all times.

11. Image Archiving

  • Images are archived for 12 months after delivery.

  • After that period, image retrieval cannot be guaranteed.

12. Liability

  • The Photographer is not liable for:

    • Disrupted sessions due to weather, uncooperative subjects, or late arrivals

    • Loss or damage resulting from events beyond the Photographer’s control

  • In the rare event of equipment failure or total loss, the Photographer’s liability is limited to a refund of all payments received.

13. Agreement

By booking a session with Michelle Mallon Photography, the Client acknowledges they have read, understood, and agreed to the above Terms & Conditions.